CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The Unemployment Compensation Division of WorkForce West Virginia announced today that $119,114.77 in fraudulently obtained unemployment benefits was recovered during the first quarter of 2010.

The division detected fraud in claims filed by 168 individuals during the period and requested warrants on 76 of those cases.

In all cases where fraud is detected, the claimants are penalized. Penalties include a 52-week disqualification from receiving future unemployment benefits, repayment of overpaid benefits, possible fines and jail time, and potential civil suits.